Sarah May Keener- Bennett

Sarah May “Sally” Keener Bennett age 86, of Tavernier, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 with her loving husband by her side. She was born in Greene County, PA on November 15, 1936 and lived a long and interesting life. 

In her early 20’s, Sarah moved to NYC where she worked as a clothing model in the Garment District. She became the third wife of middleweight champion, Jake LaMotta, who became an icon after the Academy Award winning movie about him, Raging Bull, became a hit. They relocated to Florida, and after their divorce, always an animal lover- Sarah became a dog groomer, and opened her own shop in Davie, called Puppy Love. 

Sarah married her soulmate, Richard Bennett, a widower, and became an ordained minister. Together, with Richard, also a pastor, they ministered with compassion and a great love of God and raised their blended family.  She also assisted Richard with the business aspects of their construction business in the Miami area. They moved to onto some acreage in Gainesville in the late 80’s, where Sarah was able to live with her beloved “critters”. 

After she began experiencing health issues, she relocated with Richard, to their home in Islamorada, where they lived until she needed more care. Sarah spent her final few years in a skilled nursing facility in Tavernier, only a short drive from her husband, who visited her every other day, often bringing her gifts and flowers- while they continued to enjoy each other’s company. 

In addition to her husband, Sarah is survived by seven children; Susan (Ted) Hardman, Elisa LaMotta Mulligan, Mia Day, Paul (April) Bennett, Peter (Yen Nguyen) Bennett, Mary Bennett Coleman and Deborah (Heber) Fiallos. Sarah is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her half-brother, David White.  

At Sarah’s request, there will be no services, but she did request that her ashes be scattered in Israel, which will be done at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff at Oasis at the Keys Healthcare, for their extraordinary and loving care of Sarah.